What I Wish I Knew Before First Year

Author: Jocelyne Woodin
Posted on February 23, 2022

I made my parents wake up at 5 A.M so that we would drive up in front of Harper Hall at promptly 8 A.M for move-in day. I had been 18 for less than 24 hours, and I was nervous, excited, and anxious in the best kind of way. I was ready to start university and be out on my own but, along the way, I figured out there are things you need to know.

What I wish I knew before starting first year…

1. Make your bed first: Before you start unpacking boxes and hanging up clothes, MAKE YOUR BED. Halfway through unpacking you will get tired or bored or homesick and then you will have somewhere to lay down and breathe.
2. The friends you are with during O-Week may just be O-Week friends: don’t feel pressured to meet your best friends right way! Chances are the people you cling to during Orientation will be people who you smile at in the hallway, not the people you get pizza with at 1 a.m. and that’s OKAY! You will meet new people all the time during Orientation week and friends will come from the strangest places (I met some of my best friends in the Jennings sandwich line).
3. Bring a fan and get a lanyard: I cannot say this enough you NEED a fan. Even if you don’t use it during the first few weeks, you still need it! You also NEED a lanyard (bonus points if it’s a MTA one), it will help you keep track of your student ID!
4. Take a break: this is especially important during O-Week. Everyone has events planned during O-week: the residences, the MASU, the University, Student Life. There is ALWAYS an event happening and you do not have to go to all of them. You won’t be missing out on integral university experiences if you miss a few events. Take the time to relax and get settled in!
5. Bring comfort items: No one is going to go into your dorm room and make fun of you for having a special stuffed animal or blanket, they will most likely actually start playing with it. If you have a comfort item, bring it with you!
6. Grades are important but not that important: The transition from university to high school can be difficult in terms of academics. Be aware of this and don’t be disheartened if you get a slightly lower grade than you’re used to. You should also recognize that studies need to be prioritized but so does your social life. It is all about balance.
7. Don’t be afraid to get involved: MtA had so many clubs and societies and roles across campus that are always looking for new recruits. Don’t hesitate to get involved, apply for anything you’re interested in!
8. Learn about your RA: Your residence assistant is there to help you! Learn who they are and what resources they can connect you with. RAs are more than happy to get you in contact with a club, with mental health resources or even just to tell your neighbour to turn down their tv show!
9. Communal bathrooms are not scary: The thing I was the most stressed about was communal bathrooms and now they are honestly one of the best parts of the university experience. I went from keeping my door open just a crack to listen for when the restroom was empty to seeing how many people would fit in our shower for fun. Communal bathrooms really help you bond with the people in your wing.
10. Be yourself: University is a fresh start, but that doesn’t mean you have to hide who you are. I guarantee you; you are going to find friends that like the real you. Join clubs you’re interested in, stay in if you’re tired and be unapologetically you.

I hope these tips and tricks are helpful! Welcome to MtA!